Technology is the knowledge and skills used to create tools that enable people to achieve certain practical goals. It is important to understand how technologies are developed, as they can have a profound impact on both the natural world and the way humans interact with it.
Technology can take many forms and encompasses everything from a mechanical device, like a cogwheel or gear, to a software program or the Internet. The broadest definition of technology includes information technology, which covers all the computers, hardware and other infrastructure that manages, stores, processes or exchanges data. It also covers all the jobs related to these fields.
The design, building and maintenance of most technologies require sophisticated knowledge and training – entire industries have grown up to develop, support and maintain complex machines. It is also common for a technology to be used in ways that are not originally intended. For example, TVs allow for the transmission of information but they can also be used to hypnotize people in front of them, or as a medium for one-way communication (e.g. social media).
While some technology can be beneficial, others have drawbacks and may cause damage if used improperly. Regardless, it’s crucial to understand how to use different types of technology as it continues to transform our society and daily lives. This is why a degree in Technology can be so valuable, as it opens the door to many career paths in the field, including IT support, cybersecurity, computer systems and programming.